Michael Gove gives support to David Davis comeback

One of David Cameron's closest allies has opened the door for David Davis to
make an unexpected comeback to the political front line, by describing him
as a "great asset" to the Conservative party.

Michael Gove said David Davis is a "great asset" to the Conservative party and hinted at a comeback.Photo: CLARA MOLDEN

By Andrew Porter and Benedict Brogan

9:13AM BST 03 Aug 2009

Mr Davis, the former shadow home secretary, sparked anger in the Tory ranks last year when he walked out on Mr Cameron.

However, Michael Gove, the shadow education secretary, is the first of the Tory leader's inner circle to say that Mr Davis could come back – something the Tory leader has always refused to do after what he saw as an unacceptable decision to quit the shadow cabinet.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Mr Gove praises Mr Davis, and says the party must make use of his talent. The comments are even more surprising as Mr Davis has been a vocal critic of Mr Gove's policy on grammar schools.

He said: "I love David Davis. I'm a huge fan. It is vitally important that we go out of our way as a party to make sure we use all the talents.

"We should ask ourselves the question 'are we making the best use of all those talents and are we making use of people with whom we don't agree?'.

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"My own view is yes we must make use of David's talents but it's important that the role David fulfils is one he feels comfortable with as well. He's a fantastic communicator and a great asset."

Mr Cameron has already paved the way for former Tory Cabinet ministers to return to Government if he wins the election, but pointedly stopped short of naming Mr Davis as one of those in line.

Mr Davis, who stood down as an MP to fight a by-election on civil liberties last year, has in recent months questioned some of the party's policies and bringing him back could be a way of buying his silence.

His staunch defence of grammar schools is at odds with the party leadership.

Mr Davis, who went to Bec Grammar School, in Tooting, said recently: "The simple truth is that grammar schools were the greatest instrument for social mobility ever invented."

In today's interview Mr Gove offers little comfort to those Tory supporters who want to see more grammar schools and instead said he wants to turn every comprehensive into a grammar, but without selection.

He also said that people who get in Mr Cameron's way – such as the education establishment – should be prepared to be "blown away" by the Tory leader.

Last night Mr Davis told the Telegraph that "unfortunately" it was not possible to turn every comprehensive into a grammar. And he added he wanted to see the Tories be more open to academic selection in the way that schools can select on others grounds – for example music or sport.

He added: "Why not allow a degree of selection on ability? If you do it properly, and I mean properly, it can help everyone."

On a possible return to the front line of Tory politics he said: "I am enjoying my time as a backbencher, but I'm not here for decoration. If I went back it could not be just to fulfill that desire to have a few more working class types on the front bench."

However, restoring Mr Davis to a prominent position risks upsetting some Tories who view his actions last year as self-indulgent and treacherous.